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Post by Tony & Ray on Aug 21, 2021 14:05:42 GMT -7
Ray is a 10 lb dachshund who graduated from crate rest April 2019 (there is a long thread of his treatment and your help in Graduate) . I am checking to make sure I'm doing all the right stuff. Last Friday 8/13 (I work from home now) he ran past me about noon and gave a brief yip. I did not have a clear sight of what he was doing at that moment. Later in the evening I was in another part of the house and I heard this again. I don't know what he was doing but I suspect he was running down the dog ramp. He has exhibited no other symptoms, no shaking, back hunch, etc. and has been lively and moved around freely even right after the "yip". Over caution had me take him to my vet Saturday morning 8/14. In the exam he showed no issues in his neck or back, no pain indicators but the vet suspected some "tenderness" in his back although there was little reaction.
In an overabundance of caution he's been put on
2 weeks' prescription carprofen 12.5 mg 2x a day, and to keep him calm
1/4 50mg trazodine every 8 hours and
2 drops CBD oil every 8 hours, and
famatodine 5mg 2x a day,
[Moderator's note: please do not modify
10 lbs 6 y.o.
Carprofen as of 8/14: 12.5mg 2x/day for 14 days, then 8/28 test STOP for _pain/ _neuro
Trazadone 12.5mg 3x/day
Pepcid AC 5 mgs 2x/day
CBD oil]
and I have him on crate rest 24/7 since as we did before. He does get a period of laying next to me while I am sitting for a few hours each evening using the same very strict restrictions laid out by the neurologist from Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists. I know the reccomrnation is no couch or lap; he's not on my lap and he lays flat and straight next to my leg and doesn't move, actually promptly falls asleep for a couple hours and then back in the crate. So far he's been very good with it all. His bowel movements and urination have been regular and he's had no issues eating. (I soften his kibble and hold the food dish at head level while he hoovers and his water dish is at head level). I have not heard a yelp or he has not given any reactions.
The vet seemed to feel that 2 weeks' meds and 4 weeks rest would be good considerung the mildness, and I'm to check back after that, but I thought I'd get a "second opinion". I have no issue with another few weeks but of course would prefer to avoid that and go to "house arrest" for awhile after. Thank you. |
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Aug 21, 2021 14:40:20 GMT -7
Welcome back to Dodgerslist, Tony.
If the vet thinks the tenderness in his back is caused by an IVDD episode, then even if it is mild, consider keeping Ray on the full 8 weeks of crate rest.
Instead of "house arrest", I tried to think of my dog's crate rest as a relaxing spa time for him. I tried to make his crate as comfortable as possible. This way, I was less likely to be counting the days until crate rest was over. You can refresh your memory on crate rest and find ideas on setting up the crate here: dodgerslist.com/2020/05/14/strict-rest-recovery-process/Be very careful with Ray on the couch with you. Dogs can do the unexpected in a heartbeat, and suddenly jumping off the couch because the doorbell rang or something similar could cause a worsening of his condition. |
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Post by Tony & Ray on Aug 21, 2021 16:11:40 GMT -7
Thank you. To be clear, " house arrest" occurs after all the crate rest is completed. He's pretty comfy in his crate, double mattress, a couple rolled polartec blanket segments, a bigger one to lay under, a water dish, classical music for dogs, a towel over part of it to keep drafts and distractions down. He is a bit anxious and a bit of seperation anxiety which can complicate things. I also use Chill-Out aromatherapy from Aromadogs.
I am super careful with him on the couch, which is why I only do it evenings and his meds help him be calm but he seems to tolorate the crate better if he gets some out time. He's blocked from trying to jump.
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PaulaM
Moderator. 
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,534
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 21, 2021 16:40:42 GMT -7
Sorry to hear about Ray's back tenderness. Sounds as though you acted quickly to get vet help and so that the mild symptoms can stay mild. As Romy mentioned dogs always do the unexpected in a blink of an eye. Couch cushions can slope into your body. Even if Ray would not actually escape, jump down the mere attempt to do these things can be the cause of too much movement to the early formation of scar tissue on the disc. Consider a pet stroller to keep him up at your height and near you as you move room to room. More detail on the use of pet strollers specifically for a disc episode: dodgerslist.com/2020/05/17/pet-stroller-conservatve-treatment/What about putting his recovery suite on a sturdy coffee table and pull it right up to the couch. You can touch him through the wires and he can feel the warmth of your legs and smell them resting on the table next to the suite? How old is Ray now? |
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Post by Tony & Ray on Aug 21, 2021 16:46:41 GMT -7
Ray is 6 years old. His crate is on a rolling cart table that's at my head height and he goes where ever I go and has a great view across the house.
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Post by Tony & Ray on Aug 25, 2021 11:50:30 GMT -7
So far so good. However, he does get restless during the day (I don't blame him) engages in whining and huffing, sometimes licks. He is with me most of the time (I work from home) and he's on a wheeled cart in his crate and so can accompany me. I am hesitant to put him looking out a window as he gets agitated when he sees people (he wants to go greet them). When I can I will put my hand in the crate and he licks it then calms a bit but I need both hands to work. I tried clicker training and treats for quiet but he's a stubborn persistent bugger and the hours went nowhere. He's on CBD oil, trazadone, occasional Composure (I haven't decided if that works at all yet); I tried Adaptil atomizer and collar and that has no effect. I play classical soothing music for pets.
I don't know if there is some low key thing he can do. Lick a licking pad? Everything I think of seems to go against keeping him down and quiet. Thanks.
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Aug 25, 2021 13:33:23 GMT -7
As our dogs start feeling better, they are often harder to keep calm in the crate. You have tried a lot of things that often work with mixed results. I have a few other things to suggest. Kongs can keep dogs occupied for a period of time. Fill a Kong with soft dog food and freeze. Put part of the dog's total daily dinner kibble in the Kong to lengthen time to consume dinner.
There are commercial puzzle products that can be used to keep dogs stimulated. Often small treats are put inside the puzzle and the dog has to figure out how to get to the treat.
A snuffle (lick) mat may work, but it depends on how actively the dog searches for the treat. If Ray is the kind of dog that sniffs and licks calmly that is a good choice. If he is the kind of dog that picks up the mat and shakes it, not a good choice.
At times, a more heavy-duty sedative may be necessary. An alternative to trazadone is Acepromazine. Different dogs respond differently to sedatives so if trazadone is not working well, Acepromazine may be worth a try.
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Post by Tony & Ray on Aug 25, 2021 15:50:20 GMT -7
Thank you. I've started this out with him feeling good already, so it's started early lol. I've got a Kong and lick mat and he won't pick up the mat and shake but my concern is he will stand to work them, not sit or lay down and I'm guessing that's not good? I may try increasing the trazadone, he's at near minimum with 1/4 tab every 8 hours and the range is up to 1/2. Thanks for your patience with my questions.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,534
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 25, 2021 19:53:25 GMT -7
Tony, during recovery time, physical activity must be restricted as you are doing. He can't expend energy in physical activity to become tired. For dogs mental stimulation can be just as tiring. You can help in that department if you are able when you take a break from work, before work, after work to do some mental stimulation with Ray.
Choose only the activities that can take place inside the recovery suite. Choose activities that do not exceed the demand for 100% STRICT rest for the back. Your dog will be lying on the stomach or maybe quietly sitting on his butt.
Use your Ray's daily food ration as the rewards. Treats should be subtracted from the normal daily kibble ration so as not to gain weight during crate rest. Can also be Lo-cal treats of tiny pieces of apple or carrot.
To dogs the size of the treat matters not. They work just as hard for a big piece as a tiny piece.
Adapt each activity so that it takes place inside of the recovery suite while you sit on a chair in front of the suite's open door. Stop if your dog is getting over excited and displaying rambunctious behavior of too much back movement.
Teaching self-calming exercises can also help your dog to relax more. You can make something as simple as eye contact a very rewarding behavior that also acts as a way for your dog to “ask permission” when he wants something. When dogs have a focus and an understanding about how to behave to get what they want, they are much calmer overall.
To do this, each time your dog looks at you, say, something like, “Yes!” or use a clicker to mark the second he looks at you, and then give your dog a food reward.
[NOTE: for crate resting dogs, shift your body a bit to change your angle] .... wait for your dog to look up at you again, say, “Yes,” and reward again. Do this exercise 10 or so times and then say, “All done,” and put the treats away. Come back later for another session until you can see that your dog is really starting to make automatic eye contact in hopes you will say, “Yes,” again and give him his reward.
lip lick:
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Post by Tony & Ray on Aug 27, 2021 11:15:03 GMT -7
Thank you. My original question is, what activities? I understand the need to stay down, but I'm at a loss as to specific activities to try that incorporate that. Everything I've been able to find searching online assumes the animal needs to stay calm but ok to get up and move aroundca bit. Self-calming activities only go do far.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,534
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 27, 2021 11:44:15 GMT -7
Tony the two mental stimulating when having to learn something new such as the "eye contact" and the "lip licking" training don't work for Ray?
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Post by Tony & Ray on Aug 27, 2021 16:25:48 GMT -7
Ray already is big on eye contact, it was something that surprised me when I adopted him. He even sits/lays in the crate just looking right at me. I am starting on the lip lick. I just need something else. I read to him which works for a bit.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,534
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Post by PaulaM on Aug 27, 2021 18:46:48 GMT -7
Tony, this one is up a notch in difficulty. The number of objects he can learn the names of is dependent on Ray's memory abilities. Some dogs can learn more objects, some less. #3 Object name recognition: If Ray has a favorite toy, start with that as long as the toy itself does incite being over rambunctiousness as sometimes things like a ball can set them off with visions of going outdoors to play. —Keep training sessions short about 7-10 mins. — Quietly lying down or sitting on his butt inside the recovery suite is the aim in avoiding too much movement for the back. — Keep the game going as long as he’s truly engaged, not bored. — If your dog loses interest, end the session for the day. Always end on a positive note by giving a command you know your dog will perform such as eye contact, then treat and praise. Both the article and the video will help you think about how you can approach this activity during crate rest time. www.whole-dog-journal.com/training/cognitive-skills/how-to-teach-your-dog-object-names/ and Let us know how Ray takes to the Lip Licking activity. Any modifications or tips that worked better for Ray, etc. |
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Post by Tony & Ray on Aug 29, 2021 9:30:48 GMT -7
I started object recognition with Ray, I hanen't figured out something like the lip lick to work with him on in the crate, I don't see him.lick so tried object recognition. I had to wait until some of his whining subsided as I didnt want to reward that. Luckily he doesn't get excited over toys (at the dog park he won't chase a ball but loves to run with dogs that are.🙄). My clicker broke it's old but he started picking up on it right away, touching a small rubber ball with his nose. After a couple dozen times he started to balk so we stopped. That was probably 4-5 minutes. It seems to have relaxed him a bit. I'm getting anew clicker at Petsmart later on and will continue I know thst's important. There's a tendancy for him to be at the crate door wanting to get out while we do this, hopefully that will subside as I repeat since he'snot getting out then. Stay tuned.
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Post by Tony & Ray on Aug 29, 2021 17:03:57 GMT -7
As a side note. I've cut back on couch time. While he seems to be still and often sleeps I didn't like the movement to and from the crate it involved. He also has started a tendancy to try to ruckup the blanket in the crate excessively. Boredom symptom? He's at the minimal dose of ▲trazadone,I am going to bump that up a bit with the range I was given, 1/2 50mg pill every 12 hours instead of 1/4 every 8.
[Moderator's note: please do not modify
10 lbs 6 y.o.
Carprofen as of 8/14: 12.5mg 2x/day for 14 days, then 8/28 test STOP for _pain/ _neuro
Trazadone ▲25mg ▼2x/day
Pepcid AC 5 mgs 2x/day
CBD oil]
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Post by Tony & Ray on Sept 4, 2021 9:23:57 GMT -7
Update with vet visit.. We went to see the vet [9/3] yesterday. This was after about 3 weeks of crate rest. Ray only had one episode where he yipped in the whole time other than that he appears to have no pain. He walks fine, his tail wags like crazy, he has no limb weakness and exhibits no pain characteristics like like trembling shaking or similar. He does a very vigorous doggy shake, his wake-up stretch with no reaction. The vet gave him a very thorough physical examination pressing each vertibrae, examining his legs, moving his neck and legs around and Ray did not react in any negative way whatsoever. She had him walk around in a more open area and he did not hump his back nor did he "short walk".
In an abundance of caution we're continuing crate rest, another 2 weeks of carprofen, 2 weeks of gabapentin 100mg every 8 hours (can be 12 but we decided to start him higher and taper) more for anti-inflammatory to help heal, I'm continuing CBD oil, fomatadine and trazedone. I have acepromazine as needed because he is difficult to get him calmed down if I'm not in the room, and next week we're gonna start him on an anxiety medication [name ?] and drop the trazedone.
[Moderator's note: please do not modify
10 lbs 6 y.o.
Carprofen as of 8/14: 12.5mg 2x/day for 14 days, then 8/28 test STOP for: ≠8/28 pain/ __ neuro
as of 9/3: 12.5mg 2x/day for 14 days, then 9/17 test STOP for: _pain/ _neuro
✙gabapentin 3/x/day til 9/17
Trazadone 25mg 2x/day; 9/20 switch to anti-anxiety med
Pepcid AC 5 mgs 2x/day
CBD oil]
I got a pet stoller and put him in it and we sit on my back patio where there's really nothing that gets him excited and he sits or lays down, and either smells the breeze or takes a nap, he really likes that. He naps right after when we go inside.
Should he exhibit another yip we may take him for x-rays or to GCVS for an MRI.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,534
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Post by PaulaM on Sept 4, 2021 11:56:33 GMT -7
Tony, we may be missing some info that would help to explain another course of carprofen plus addition of pain med gabapentin. Aug 28, carprofen was scheduled to stop upon the end of the 14-day course. Did you observe Ray yipping or any other sign of pain since the 8/28 carprofen stop? The only way to know if all swelling/inflammation around the cord exists or is gone is with the stop of carprofen PLUS off of all pain meds. Ray was not taking any pain meds, so the 8/28 carprofen stop should have been a good accurate test about pain. Why did the vet order another 14 days of carprofen AND add nerve pain med gabapentin on 9/3 visit? Vet noted in her thorough exam she did not observe any signs of painful inflammation nor any limb weakness. Very much look forward to you filling the gaps to explain the new Rx. Without this critical information, it makes the carprofen/gabapentin Rx's appear to not be with an abundance of caution but more a lack of abundance of safety in use of medications. RISK vs. BENEFIT There are no safe medications only safe use and owner knowledge about each med. Clearly when meds are on board to do a job, they are of tremendous benefit in addressing the root cause of painfully inflamed tissue and other meds to give immediate comfort til the body has no more swelling. When there is no job for meds to do all that remains are exposing a dog to all the bad side effects. FDA reports "An informed dog owner is the best defense against serious side effects from NSAIDs." Good stuff to keep in the back of your mind if carprofen is going forward: Recommended readings: 1. "Treating Pain in Your Dog" Includes side effects, safety precautions to take, immediate actions to take if you suspect a side effect www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/animal-health-literacy/treating-pain-your-dog2. FDA NSAID pkg insert in bold: Serious adverse reactions associated with this drug class can occur without warning and in rare situations result in death (see Adverse Reactions). Owners should be advised to discontinue Carprofen therapy and contact their veterinarian immediately if signs of intolerance are observed. animaldrugsatfda.fda.gov/adafda/app/search/public/document/downloadLabeling/999Wonderful to learn just how very useful the pet stroller is for helping Hank to relax!!! |
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Post by Tony & Ray on Sept 12, 2021 10:36:00 GMT -7
The pain yip [after 8/28 ±] I mentioned was after carboprofen was ended.
I forgot to update this, the anti-anxiety med is 1 5mg tab 2x a day of✙Clomicalm started Wednesday 9/8. The ▼Trazedone was reduced to 1/4 of a 50 mg tab 2x a day with discretion to go up to 1/2 tab 3x a day.
[Moderator's note: please do not modify
10 lbs 6 y.o.
Carprofen as of 8/14: 12.5mg 2x/day for 14 days, then 8/28 test STOP for: ≠8/28 pain/
as of 9/3: 12.5mg 2x/day for 14 days, then 9/17 test STOP for: _pain/ _neuro
gabapentin 3/x/day til 9/17
✙Clomicalm (clomipramine ) as of 9/8: 5mgs 2x/day
Trazadone ▼12.5mg 2x/day; 9/20 switch to anti-anxiety med
Pepcid AC 5 mgs 2x/day
CBD oil ]
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Post by Tony & Ray on Sept 26, 2021 9:06:46 GMT -7
Ray has been off painkillers since 9/20. Still taking 5mg Clomicalm 2x day, 1/4 tab 50mg ▲Trazedone 3x day, 1-10 mg fomatadine/day(vet said one dose is fine, no need to split it) and CBD oil.
[Moderator's note: please do not modify
10 lbs 6 y.o.
Carprofen as of 8/14: 12.5mg 2x/day for 14 days, then 8/28 test STOP for: ≠8/28 pain/
as of 9/3: 12.5mg 2x/day for 14 days, then 9/17 test STOP for: _pain/ _neuro
Clomicalm (clomipramine ) as of 9/8: 5mgs 2x/day
Trazadone 12.5mg ▲3x/day; 9/20 switch to anti-anxiety med
Pepcid AC (famotidine) 10 mgs 1x/day
CBD oil ]
He's been much calmer although not perfect, it's working, he's quiet much more. He has also been getting 15 minutes/day Lumasoothe light treatment since 8/23 during which he falls asleep. He is still on crate rest of course, touch training goes well and he likes it, I'm running out of safe small objects for him to learn lol. I can't use the Kong or lick mat as he insists on standing with those. He gets out in the stroller a couple times a day and that seems calming. He's not had any yips or exhibited signs of pain symptoms. I've been doing a bit of separation anxiety training and he seems to be picking that up.
In 2 weeks he'll be ready to emerge if no further indications of any problem. I looked elsewhere on Dodgerlist for post-crate strategy i.e. restrengthening his legs etc. re-introducing him, etc. and didn't see any. I may talk to the vet about getting him a small amount of PT.
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Post by Ann Brittain on Sept 26, 2021 9:38:05 GMT -7
It's exciting that Ray is improving and you're looking forward to activities to help him regain strength.
Swim therapy can be a great/gentle way to help Ray's muscle tone. We do not have a facility near by. So after Buster's surgery,and when the neuro gave the okay, I started doing swim exercises with him in our bathtub. It was basically doing the same PT exercises we were given, but the support of the water helped Buster move around. I used bits of his kibble as incentive to get him to move from one end to the other. I saw marked improvement in his muscle tone fairly soon after we started. Here is a link with more info on swim therapy. dodgerslist.com/?s=swim+therapy&id=7360
I'm also attaching a couple of links that may help you manage Ray's aftercare.
The main thing not to overdo by gradually adding more activities and exercises. It's a good idea to consult with your vet for suggestions about making Ray's recovery the most successful.
Keep us update on how things go.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,534
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Post by PaulaM on Sept 26, 2021 11:29:28 GMT -7
Tony, yes! yes! graduation day is just around the corner on Oct 9.
At that time we will have specific ideas for re-introducing Ray back into family life and activity in a slow gradual way. On Oct 9 we'll be up to date on where Ray is and be able to comment on how to do core muscle training and other things tailored to him.
Famotidine is to suppress the extra acids carprofen causes. Unless the vet specifically wants you to continue with famotidine 10mgs 1x/day, then it is usually stopped when carprofen stops.
TOUCH training
washcloth, sponge. Maybe you have the proper different colors that a dog can see to follow touch: yellow sponge; blue sponge
Dogs see colors differently than humans.
Red: A dog sees a dirty brown color.
Orange: A dog sees a shade of mustard.
Yellow: Yellow is yellow, with a green tinge.
Green: Dogs see a dirty mustard shade
Blue: Dogs see blue
As Ray approaches Saturday Oct 9th, we will be waiting to hear how he is doing and be able to offer you specific ideas for graduation day.
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Post by Tony & Ray on Oct 10, 2021 7:00:19 GMT -7
So today I put on Ray's harness and we went for a short walk. He loves his walks and was quite excited but it's obvious we hadn't been walking in awhile. I kept our pace down and he did alot of sniffing but slowed noticeably about 2/3's thru. We were out about 12 minutes and I think at least to start I'm cutting that to 5-6, maybe once in the am and once in the pm. Then he sat in his stroller with me on the patio sniffing the breeze then dozing off. I plan on letting him out on the ground a couple times indoors for a short while today. If he goes out other than to potty he'll be on his harness and leash for control, I have a problematic neighbor dog who likes to rile Ray up at the fence. He'll be blocked as usual from going up on anything like furniture, the ramp isn't availible yet and in keeping with "four on the floor" strategy (there hasn't been alot he does that isn't) we start work on stopping his standing up with his front paws on a door we're about to go thru, or against the leg of someone he wants their attention. I don"t know what your reference to touch training and sponges refers to. I've doing that in the crate with 4 small different named distinct objects and he likes it and has done well. Any further guidance on reacclimization? |
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Post by Ann Brittain on Oct 10, 2021 7:55:32 GMT -7
Hi Tony, I'm glad you're gradually introducing Ray to more activities. It is important to let him go at his own pace and not overdue. Here's a link that will give you more info on activities to add into Ray's routine over time. dodgerslist.com/2020/06/15/back-friendly/%E2%80%8B
You're wise to restrict activities that could stress Ray's spine. Jumping on furniture, tug-of-war games, and rough play with other dogs are behaviors that must be avoided. It's unfortunate that the dog next door aggravates Ray. Is it possible to discuss the situation with the neighbor? If so, you might be able to work out a schedule so that the dog isn't in the yard when Ray is out at least until he is stronger. We have a neighbor dog who drove our Chloe nuts by barking and growling incessantly at the fence when she was in the backyard. She didn't help the situation with her own aggressive barking, but since she wasn't an IVDD dog it wasn't a health concern for her.
I'm not as familiar with touch training as other moderators. I'll leave it to others to respond to the specifics of touch training.
This is the time for Ray to rebuild his muscle tone and get stronger. My suggestion is to keep a regular exercise schedule, watch for any signs of fatigue, and restrict activities that could cause Ray to relapse.
Good luck.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,534
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 10, 2021 10:07:01 GMT -7
Tony, congratulations on Ray's graduation today! Ray has been "couch potato" for 8 weeks now, so it is important to very gradually begin to increase his stamina and build up muscle strength over a couple of months. You want to be able to rule out signs of pain/discomfort of overdoing things vs. a disc problem. GRADUATION, A SLOW RE-INTRODUCTION Determine how you are going to ease back into more normal activity at graduation. The idea is to gradually give more freedom under controlled conditions. Not free reign of the house and yard immediately! LOL Take a look at our information and then come up with a plan to gradually increase activity over about a month's time following the end of crate rest. Here is a sample schedule to slowly introduce your dog back to family life and physical activity: dodgerslist.com/2020/06/15/back-friendly/?highlight=sample%20schedule Make your home back friendly with ramps instead of stairs, blocking off furniture and training to keep all four paws on the ground: dodgerslist.com/2020/07/09/home-protect-ivdd-backs At the top of the GRADUATES board are several discussions you may be interested in including furniture blockers and more: dodgerslist.boards.net/board/8/graduatesLots more ideas and tips in living with an IVDD dog: dodgerslist.com/living-with-ivdd-tips PT THERAPY AT HOME Safety first. You should always consult with a veterinarian before starting any exercise program with your dog. - Strengthening core muscles. Core exercises don't require specialized equipment. Here are some exercises you can do at home: 1) www.caninemuscleworks.com.au/health-articles/2017/8/22/strengthen-your-dogs-core-muscles2) 5 exercises: totofit.com/five-basic-exercises-essential-to-building-core-strength/ Sponges would just be a different kind of object for Ray to identify by paw or nose touching. Sponges come in different colors. Ray may be able to distinguish between two rectangular sponges which one is yellow and which is blue. COULD YOU HELP? Tony, education about disc disease is our number one mission! We invite you to hop on to our educational bandwagon team. Too many dogs have been put to sleep because owners lack education about IVDD treatment. STRICT crate rest and proper medication has helped many dogs recover. We would like all of our members to pay it forward for the help they have received with their dog by helping us educate! Pick what suits you....
We depend on you. Here are some ways to help.. -- Please celebrate Ray's graduation! Add a graduation photo and a short caption to our Gallery to give other members inspiration about your IVDD Survivor! dodgerslist.boards.net/thread/2262/add-dog-dodgerslist-photo-gallery-- "Share" our FB posts www.facebook.com/Dodgerslist-- When in conversation at the grocery store line or wherever you may meet breeds most prone to IVDD (Dachshunds, Beagles, Poodles, Spaniels, Shih Tzus, Pekingese, and Chihuahuas, Frenchies) give out our free little wallet cards. Hand carry our literature and print out our letter of introduction for your vet. Ask Linda to send you a free brochure packet for your vet and wallet cards for you: dodgerslist.com/free-literature-2/
-- Would you consider helping another trying to find an IVDD knowledgable ver? Here is where you can post about your IVDD vet: dodgerslist.boards.net/board/13/member-reported-surgery-costs-recommendations vet recommendations: Name of Vet Name of Clinic Street Address City: State or country: Type of vet (general/board certified surgeon, acupuncture, etc.) Comments: Don't be a stranger! Stop in periodically. We really do love updates. We'd love a short Youtube video clip to see Ray in action at home, at PT and living & loving life in spite of IVDD! |
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Post by Tony & Ray on Oct 10, 2021 10:09:34 GMT -7
Thank you for the information! Thank you. Luckily we're already not doing most of the things to not do on the link, the video on stopping jumping up is useful. Some good activity suggestions I'll try.
I've talked to the neighbor several times, they claim when they hear her act out they bring her in. It's too late then, plus they don't. So I just have to keep Ray away from that side of the yard.
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Post by Tony & Ray on Oct 16, 2021 8:56:27 GMT -7
Ray is at a few minutes "free" time in a blocked off part of the house. I do this now 3 times a day.
We do a short 3 minute walk outdoors on the leash, he loves his walks, and he spends more time sniffing things than he does walking so it's not very arduous. I don't have a hill for a suggested PT activity, but I took his adjustable ramp a lowered it to the lowest level and to start with had him walk up it several times equivilent to the "hallway" length, thats one of his free times. No indications of pain, no weakness or hesitation, biggest issue is he gets so happy to get out I sometimes just have to hold him flat in my lap untill he calms down.
I also want to mention that every third day is an off day for rest purposes so we don't overdo things.
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Post by Romy & Frankie on Oct 16, 2021 13:05:26 GMT -7
You are doing a good job getting Ray back to his usual activities. Slow and steady is definitely the way to go.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,534
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 17, 2021 11:30:50 GMT -7
Tony, sounds like you have a very reasonable approach to getting Ray back in shape. Love hearing how happy Ray is enjoying his new routine as he strengthens his muscles. Cool workaround to use his adjustable ramp for strength training at the lowest slope!
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Post by Tony & Ray on Oct 23, 2021 17:59:03 GMT -7
Ray has been doing well, he's responding to being trained to not jump up on doors or people as part of the four in the floor approach. He's never been allowed to jump up or down furniture or stand on his hind legs. He shows no sign of pain, and he's progressed well on the ramp and has started using it as before. Today was the first day he spent all of the day outside the crate but there were a couple long still rest "naps". Our walks are about 10 minutes now. He's on 1 ▼clomicalm in the am now, an 1/2 ▼trazadone 2x, not 3x a day, and 2 drops cbd 3x a day.
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PaulaM
Moderator.
Member since 2007: surgery, conservative . Montana, USA
Posts: 19,534
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Post by PaulaM on Oct 23, 2021 20:29:11 GMT -7
Tony, it is so delightful to read your updates. Good work in transitioning him in a gradual manner back to enjoying life. I like hearing Ray is doing well with going off of anxiety meds too. I bet it is fun to work with Ray when you see positive results in his 4 on the floor training.
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